Inspired in his leadership, fearless in battle, and boundless in his ambition, Alexander the Great inherited his father's empire at the age of twenty and resolved to expand it. He ruthlessly suppressed all who dared to rebel and led violent and bloody campaigns through Persia, Egypt, India, and Babylon, destroying others in his path and establishing new cities to glorify his name. By the time of his death at thirty-two, his empire encompassed two million square miles--most of the known world. His achievement was, and remains, unparalleled. He was worshiped as a god during his lifetime, and his legend has only grown since.

Comprising selections from Alexander's classic biographers Arrian, Plutarch, and Quintus Curtius Rufus, this definitive portrait of the greatest conquerer in history features an engaging introduction by Michael Wood.

1. The Early Years 2. Establishing Power in Macedonia, Greece, and Northern Europe 3. The Persian Campaign(I) - from Hellespont to Gordium 4. The Persian Campaign(II) - from Cappadocia to Egypt 5. The Persian Campaign(III) - Victory in Persia 6. To the North-east Frontiers of the Persian Empire 7. East to India - the Uncompleted Campaign 8. The Retreat - from India back to Persia 9. Alexander's Final Months

Inspired in his leadership, fearless in battle, and boundless in his ambition, Alexander the Great inherited his father's empire at the age of twenty and resolved to expand it. He ruthlessly suppressed all who dared to rebel and led violent and bloody campaigns through Persia, Egypt, India, and Babylon, destroying others in his path and establishing new cities to glorify his name. By the time of his death at thirty-two, his empire encompassed two million square miles--most of the known world. His achievement was, and remains, unparalleled. He was worshiped as a god during his lifetime, and his legend has only grown since.

Comprising selections from Alexander's classic biographers Arrian, Plutarch, and Quintus Curtius Rufus, this definitive portrait of the greatest conquerer in history features an engaging introduction by Michael Wood.

Table of Contents

1. The Early Years 2. Establishing Power in Macedonia, Greece, and Northern Europe 3. The Persian Campaign(I) - from Hellespont to Gordium 4. The Persian Campaign(II) - from Cappadocia to Egypt 5. The Persian Campaign(III) - Victory in Persia 6. To the North-east Frontiers of the Persian Empire 7. East to India - the Uncompleted Campaign 8. The Retreat - from India back to Persia 9. Alexander's Final Months